What to use for a hardcore yard?

P

Patchworkpony

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 July 2012
Messages
1,536
Visit site
I have two mini shetlands coming later in the year. Round the shelter area we have wacked in sub-base to stop the mud however it is quite stony and lumpy in parts and I am worried that it will break up their little unshod feet. Any ideas as to what I could put on top to make it 'foot friendly'? Slightly sloping land so I think sand would wash away. I wondered about bark.
 
I have unshod horses on hardcore all the time. One lived on it exclusively for 2 years. They will adapt. I wouldn't ruin it with bark that's for sure!
 
Did you put membrane in first as without it the large sub base will let mud come to the surface. 50mm clean limestone would be a good top and well compacted or mix 50/50 with something like 50mm granite. Hard stone surfaces need a degree of limestone to help bind them together. Did you get PP as you will need it for the base.
 
I'd leave it as it is, it will condition their feet beautifully, the most common reason for barefoot horses to struggle is because they live on soft ground all the time and then have to work on hard ground, so are not adequately conditioned.
 
another vote for road plainings We have them done, and have used a roller to create a decent surface. You get the odd stone but nothing much
 
Asha said:
another vote for road plainings We have them done, and have used a roller to create a decent surface. You get the odd stone but nothing much
Click to expand...
This what we have used already. OK for the sheep but the smallest bits of planings/quarry dust stuff worked up into hooves can cause abscesses and lameness.
 
Apparently road planings are now not allowed to be recycled for use on turnout areas because they contain carcinogens and are thus classified as hazardous waste. So we discoverd when enlarging our existing road planing hardstanding area last year.

We went instead for membrane, 6" of limestone crusher run then a topping of limestone dust, all well rolled and compacted. It's a super surface, good enough to trot a horse up for the vet etc, and is lasting well.
 
Tiddlypom said:
Apparently road planings are now not allowed to be recycled for use on turnout areas because they contain carcinogens and are thus classified as hazardous waste. So we discoverd when enlarging our existing road planing hardstanding area last year.

We went instead for membrane, 6" of limestone crusher run then a topping of limestone dust, all well rolled and compacted. It's a super surface, good enough to trot a horse up for the vet etc, and is lasting well.
Click to expand...

Sounds great - thank you.
 
Whatever you use do remember that you will need to be able to pick up droppings and these may have been homogenised by trampling around!
 
We also have a hardcore surface, think its 5" limestone type stuff, with crushed concrete over and rolled. Most of it is great, but we do need something smaller over the top to bind it as there are a few loose areas

Poo has to be collected by hand with a bucket!
 
Can you flatten the hardcore a bit? I have a hardcore yard and used one of those shaker plate things to help flatten it. Its still stony, but all mine are barefoot - hasnt damaged any of them. I find eventually a layer of mud forms on top anyway which helps. Love my hardcore, not slippy in the winter and free draining.
 
Tiddlypom said:
Apparently road planings are now not allowed to be recycled for use on turnout areas because they contain carcinogens and are thus classified as hazardous waste. So we discoverd when enlarging our existing road planing hardstanding area last year.

We went instead for membrane, 6" of limestone crusher run then a topping of limestone dust, all well rolled and compacted. It's a super surface, good enough to trot a horse up for the vet etc, and is lasting well.
Click to expand...

Only some older road planings made with coal tar are hazardous however most are not and can be re-used. Whoever produces/ supplies them should by law have them analysed to see if they are hazardous. If they are not then they can be used for construction of tracks and other hard standing areas. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste-exemptions-using-waste
 
I'd put some limestone on top, about 20mm down to dust whacker plated down should give you a nice top layer that still drains well and poo picks well, its softer on the hooves than a granite sub base and best of all is usually very cheap
 
WelshD said:
I'd put some limestone on top, about 20mm down to dust whacker plated down should give you a nice top layer that still drains well and poo picks well, its softer on the hooves than a granite sub base and best of all is usually very cheap
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. I haven't used limestone before - the granite sub base is too sharp and uneven. Is it the same as chalk? We used that years ago but it got sticky and slippery in the rain.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top